Borno govt confirms Lassa fever outbreak

The Borno State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Mshelia, yesterday confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in Jere Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on the issue, Dr. Mshelia said the case was discovered at Zabramarri village near Maiduguri.

He said: “On the 20th of last month, a lady was rushed to the hospital for excessive bleeding; so we took the sample to Lagos and on Tuesday afternoon, the result came out and she was found to be positive for Lassa fever. She is 32 years old and she has been kept in isolated place to prevent spreading.

“We want to assure the people not to panic. The state has taken proactive measure. Tomorrow, BOSEPA will go to the town and fumigate the general area so that nobody comes in contact with the Lassa fever.”